Acute Abdominal Pain

UNC Emergency Medicine

Medical Student Lecture Series
Case #1
24 yo healthy M with one day hx of abdominal pain. Pain
was generalized at first, now worse in right lower abd &
radiates to his right groin. He has vomited twice today.
Denies any diarrhea, fevers, dysuria or other complaints.
No appetite today. ROS otherwise negative.
PMHx: negative
PSurgHx: negative
Meds: none
NKDA
Social hx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use
Family hx: non-contributory
Abdominal pain
What else do you want to know?
What is on your differential diagnosis so far?
(healthy male with RLQ abd pain.)
How do you approach the complaint of abdominal
pain in general?
Lets review in this lecture:
Types of pain
History and physical examination
Labs and imaging
Abdominal pain in special populations (Elderly, HIV)
Clinical pearls to help you in the ED
Tell me more about your pain.

Location
Quality
Severity
Onset
Duration
Modifying factors
Change over time
What kind of pain is it?
Visceral
Involves hollow or solid organs; midline pain due to bilateral innvervation
Steady ache or vague discomfort to excruciating or colicky pain
Poorly localized
Epigastric region: stomach, duodenum, biliary tract
Periumbilical: small bowel, appendix, cecum
Suprapubic: colon, sigmoid, GU tract
Parietal
Involves parietal peritoneum
Localized pain
Causes tenderness and guarding which progress to rigidity and rebound as
peritonitis develops
Referred
Produces symptoms not signs
Based on developmental embryology
Ureteral obstruction testicular pain
Subdiaphragmatic irritation ipsilateral shoulder or supraclavicular pain
Gynecologic pathology back or proximal lower extremity
Biliary disease right infrascapular pain
MI epigastric, neck, jaw or upper extremity pain
Ask about relevant ROS
GI symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, anorexia, diarrhea,
constipation, bloody stools, melena stools
GU symptoms
Dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, incontinence
Gyn symptoms
Vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding
General
Fever, lightheadedness
And dont forget the history
GI
Past abdominal surgeries, h/o GB disease, ulcers; FamHx IBD
GU
Past surgeries, h/o kidney stones, pyelonephritis, UTI
Gyn
Last menses, sexual activity, contraception, h/o PID or STDs, h/o
ovarian cysts, past gynecological surgeries, pregnancies
Vascular
h/o MI, heart disease, a-fib, anticoagulation, CHF, PVD, Fam Hx of AAA
Other medical history
DM, organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, cancer
Social
Tobacco, drugs Especially cocaine, alcohol
Medications
NSAIDs, H2 blockers, PPIs, immunosuppression, coumadin
Moving on to the Physical Exam
General
Pallor, diaphoresis, general appearance, level of distress or discomfort, is the patient lying
still or moving around in the bed
Vital Signs
Orthostatic VS when volume depletion is suspected
Cardiac
Arrhythmias
Lungs
Pneumonia
Abdomen
Look for distention, scars, masses
Auscultate hyperactive or obstructive BS increase likelihood of SBO fivefold otherwise
not very helpful
Palpate for tenderness, masses, aortic aneurysm, organomegaly, rebound, guarding, rigidity
Percuss for tympany
Look for hernias!
rectal exam
Back
CVA tenderness
Pelvic exam
CMT
Vaginal discharge Culture
Adenexal mass or fullness
Abdominal Findings
Guarding
Voluntary
Contraction of abdominal musculature in anticipation of palpation
Diminish by having patient flex knees
Involuntary
Reflex spasm of abdominal muscles
aka: rigidity
Suggests peritoneal irritation
Rebound
Present in 1 of 4 patients without peritonitis
Pain referred to the point of maximum tenderness when palpating an
adjacent quadrant is suggestive of peritonitis
Rovsings sign in appendicitis
Rectal exam
Little evidence that tenderness adds any useful information beyond
abdominal examination
Gross blood or melena indicates a GIB
Differential Diagnosis

Its Huge!

Use history and physical exam to narrow it down

Rule out life-threatening pathology
Half the time you will send the patient home with a diagnosis of nonspecific
abdominal pain (NSAP or Abdominal Pain NOS)
90% will be better or asymptomatic at 2-3 weeks
Differential Diagnosis
Hemilith infestation
Gastritis, ileitis, colitis, esophagitis
Porphyrias
Ulcers: gastric, peptic, esophageal
ACS
Biliary disease: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis
Pneumonia
Hepatitis, pancreatitis, Cholangitis
Abdominal wall syndromes: muscle strain, hematomas,
Splenic infarct, Splenic rupture trauma,
Pancreatic psuedocyst Neuropathic causes: radicular pain
Hollow viscous perforation Non-specific abdominal pain
Bowel obstruction, volvulus Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis
Diverticulitis Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Appendicitis Toxic Shock Syndrome
Ovarian cyst Black widow envenomation
Ovarian torsion Drugs: cocaine induced-ischemia, erythromycin, tetracyclines,
Hernias: incarcerated, strangulated NSAIDs
Kidney stones Mercury salts
Pyelonephritis Acute inorganic lead poisoning
Hydronephrosis Electrical injury
Inflammatory bowel disease: crohns, UC Opioid withdrawal
Gastroenteritis, enterocolitis Mushroom toxicity
pseudomembranous colitis, ischemia colitis AGA: DKA, AKA
Tumors: carcinomas, lipomas Adrenal crisis
Meckels diverticulum Thyroid storm
Testicular torsion Hypo- and hypercalcemia
Epididymitis, prostatitis, orchitis, cystitis Sickle cell crisis
Constipation Vasculitis
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptures aneurysm Irritable bowel syndrome
Aortic dissection Ectopic pregnancy
Mesenteric ischemia PID
Organomegaly Urinary retention
Ileus, Ogilvie syndrome
Most Common Causes in the ED
Non-specific abd pain 34%
Appendicitis 28%
Biliary tract dz 10%
SBO 4%
Gyn disease 4%
Pancreatitis 3%
Renal colic 3%
Perforated ulcer 3%
Cancer 2%
Diverticular dz 2%
Other 6%
What kind of tests should you order?
Depends what you are looking Labs
for! CBC: Whats the white count?
Abdominal series
Chemistries
3 views: upright chest, flat view of
abdomen, upright view of abdomen Liver function tests, Lipase
Limited utility: restrict use to patients
with suspected obstruction or free air
Coagulation studies
Ultrasound Urinalysis, urine culture
Good for diagnosing AAA but not GC/Chlamydia swabs
ruptured AAA
Good for pelvic pathology Lactate
CT abdomen/pelvis
Noncontrast for free air, renal colic,
ruptured AAA, (bowel obstruction)
Contrast study for abscess, infection,
inflammation, unknown cause
MRI
Most often used when unable to
obtain CT due to contrast issue
Disposition
Depends on the source
Non-specific abdominal pain
No source is identified
Vital signs are normal
Non specific abdominal exam, no evidence of peritonitis
or severe pain
Patient improves during ED visit
Patient able to take fluids
Have patient return to ED in 12-24 hours for re-
examination if not better or if they develop new
symptoms
Back to Case #1.24 yo with RLQ pain

Physical exam:
T: 37.8, HR: 95, BP 118/76, R: 18, O2 sat: 100%
room air
Uncomfortable appearing, slightly pale
Abdomen: soft, non-distended, tender to palpation in
RLQ with mild guarding; hypoactive bowel sounds
Genital exam: normal

What is your differential diagnosis and what do

you do next?
Appendicitis
Classic presentation
Periumbilical pain
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
Pain localizes to RLQ
Occurs only in to 2/3 of patients
26% of appendices are retrocecal
and cause pain in the flank; 4%
are in the RUQ
A pelvic appendix can cause
suprapubic pain, dysuria
Males may have pain in the
testicles
Findings
Depends on duration of symptoms
Rebound, voluntary guarding,
rigidity, tenderness on rectal exam
Psoas sign
Obturator sign
Fever (a late finding)
Urinalysis abnormal in 19-40%
CBC is not sensitive or specific
Abdominal xrays
Appendiceal fecalith or gas,
localized ileus, blurred right psoas
muscle, free air
CT scan
Pericecal inflammation, abscess,
periappendiceal phlegmon, fluid
collection, localized fat stranding
Appendicitis: Psoas Sign
Appendicitis: Psoas Sign
Appendicitis: Obturator Sign

Passively flex
right hip and knee
then internally
rotate the hip
 Appendicitis: CT findings

Cecum

Abscess, fat
stranding
Appendicitis
Diagnosis Treatment
WBC NPO
Clinical appendicitis call IVFs
your surgeon Preoperative antibiotics
Maybe appendicitis - CT decrease the incidence of
scan postoperative wound
Not likely appendicitis infections
observe for 6-12 hours or Cover anaerobes, gram-
re-examination in 12 negative and enterococci
hours Zosyn 3.375 grams IV or
Unasyn 3 grams IV
Analgesia
Case #2

68 yo F with 2 days of LLQ abd pain,

diarrhea, fevers/chills, nausea; vomited
once at home.
PMHx: HTN, diverticulosis
PSurgHx: negative
Meds: HCTZ
NKDA
Social hx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use
Family hx: non-contributory22
Case #2 Exam
T: 37.6, HR: 100, BP: 145/90, R: 19, O2sat: 99%
room air
Gen: uncomfortable appearing, slightly pale
CV/Pulmonary: normal heart and lung exam, no
LE edema, normal pulses
Abd: soft, moderately TTP LLQ
Rectal: normal tone, guiac neg brown stool

What is your differential diagnosis & what

next?
Diverticulitis
Risk factors Physical Exam
Diverticula Low-grade fever
Increasing age Localized tenderness
Clinical features Rebound and guarding
Steady, deep Left-sided pain on
discomfort in LLQ rectal exam
Change in bowel habits Occult blood
Urinary symptoms Peritoneal signs
Tenesmus Suggest perforation or
abscess rupture
Paralytic ileus
SBO
Diverticulitis
Diagnosis Treatment
CT scan (IV and oral
contrast)
Pericolic fat stranding
Diverticula
Thickened bowel wall
Peridiverticular
abscess
Leukocytosis present in
only 36% of patients
Fluids
Correct electrolyte
abnormalities
NPO
Abx: gentamicin AND
metronidazole OR
clindamycin OR
levaquin/flagyl
For outpatients (non-toxic)
liquid diet x 48 hours
cipro and flagyl
Case #3

46 yo M with hx of alcohol abuse with 3

days of severe upper abd pain, vomiting,
subjective fevers.
Med Hx: negative
Surg Hx: negative
Meds: none; Allergies: NKDA
Social hx: homeless, heavy alcohol use,
smokes 2ppd, no drug use
Case #3 Exam
Vital signs: T: 37.4, HR: 115, BP: 98/65, R: 22, O2sat:
95% room air
General: ill-appearing, appears in pain
CV: tachycardic, normal heart sounds, pulses normal
Lungs: clear
Abdomen: mildly distended, moderately TTP epigastric,
+voluntary guarding
Rectal: heme neg stool

What is your differential diagnosis & what next?

Pancreatitis
Risk Factors Physical Findings
Alcohol Low-grade fevers
Gallstones Tachycardia, hypotension
Drugs Respiratory symptoms
Amiodarone, antivirals, Atelectasis
diuretics, NSAIDs, Pleural effusion
antibiotics, more.. Peritonitis a late finding
Severe hyperlipidemia
Ileus
Idiopathic
Cullen sign*
Clinical Features Bluish discoloration around
Epigastric pain the umbilicus
Constant, boring pain Grey Turner sign*
Radiates to back Bluish discoloration of the
Severe flanks
N/V
bloating *Signs of hemorrhagic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
Treatment
Diagnosis NPO
Lipase IV fluid resuscitation
Elevated more than 2 Maintain urine output of
times normal 100 mL/hr
Sensitivity and specificity NGT if severe, persistent
>90% nausea
Amylase No antibiotics unless severe
Nonspecific disease
Dont bother E coli, Klebsiella,
enterococci,
RUQ US if etiology unknown staphylococci,
CT scan pseudomonas
Insensitive in early or mild Imipenem or cipro with
disease metronidazole
NOT necessary to Mild disease, tolerating oral
diagnose pancreatitis fluids
Useful to evaluate for Discharge on liquid diet
complications Follow up in 24-48 hours
All others, admit
Case #4
72 yo M with hx of CAD on aspirin and Plavix
with several days of dull upper abd pain and now
with worsening pain in entire abdomen today.
Some relief with food until today, now worse
after eating lunch.
Med Hx: CAD, HTN, CHF
Surg Hx: appendectomy
Meds: Aspirin, Plavix, Metoprolol, Lasix
Social hx: smokes 1ppd, denies alcohol or drug
use, lives alone
Case #4 Exam
T: 99.1, HR: 70, BP: 90/45, R: 22, O2sat: 96%
room air
General: elderly, thin male, ill-appearing
CV: normal
Lungs: clear
Abd: mildly distended and diffusely tender to
palpation, +rebound and guarding
Rectal: blood-streaked heme + brown stool

What is your differential diagnosis & what

next?
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Risk Factors Physical Findings
H. pylori
Epigastric tenderness
NSAIDs
Smoking Severe, generalized pain
Hereditary may indicate perforation
Clinical Features
with peritonitis
Burning epigastric pain Occult or gross blood per
Sharp, dull, achy, or empty or rectum or NGT if bleeding
hungry feeling
Relieved by milk, food, or antacids
Awakens the patient at night
Nausea, retrosternal pain and
belching are NOT related to PUD
Atypical presentations in the
elderly
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Diagnosis Treatment
Rectal exam for occult blood Empiric treatment
CBC Avoid tobacco, NSAIDs,
Anemia from chronic blood aspirin
loss PPI or H2 blocker
LFTs Immediate referral to GI if:
Evaluate for GB, liver and
>45 years
pancreatic disease
Weight loss
Definitive diagnosis is by EGD
or upper GI barium study Long h/o symptoms
Anemia
Persistent anorexia or
vomiting
Early satiety
GIB
Here is your patients x-ray.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Abrupt onset of severe epigastric pain

followed by peritonitis
IV, oxygen, monitor
CBC, T&C, Lipase
Acute abdominal x-ray series
Lack of free air does NOT rule out perforation
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Surgical consultation
Case #5
35 yo healthy F to ED c/o nausea and vomiting
since yesterday along with generalized
abdominal pain. No fevers/chills, +anorexia. Last
stool 2 days ago.
Med Hx: negative
Surg Hx: s/p hysterectomy (for fibroids)
Meds: none, Allergies: NKDA
Social Hx: denies alcohol, tobacco or drug use
Family Hx: non-contributory
Case #5 Exam
T: 36.9, HR: 100, BP: 130/85, R: 22, O2 sat:
97% room air
General: mildly obese female, vomiting
CV: normal
Lungs: clear
Abd: moderately distended, mild TTP diffusely,
hypoactive bowel sounds, no rebound or
guarding

What is your differential and what next?

Upright abd x-ray
Bowel Obstruction
Mechanical or nonmechanical Physical Findings
causes
Distention
#1 - Adhesions from previous
surgery Tympany
#2 - Groin hernia incarceration Absent, high pitched or
Clinical Features tinkling bowel sound or
Crampy, intermittent pain rushes
Periumbilical or diffuse Abdominal tenderness:
Inability to have BM or flatus diffuse, localized, or
N/V minimal
Abdominal bloating
Sensation of fullness, anorexia
Bowel Obstruction
Diagnosis Treatment
CBC and electrolytes Fluid resuscitation
electrolyte abnormalities NGT
WBC >20,000 suggests bowel Analgesia
necrosis, abscess or Surgical consult
peritonitis Hospital observation for ileus
Abdominal x-ray series OR for complete obstruction
Flat, upright, and chest x-ray Peri-operative antibiotics
Air-fluid levels, dilated loops of Zosyn or unasyn
bowel
Lack of gas in distal bowel and
rectum
CT scan
Identify cause of obstruction
Delineate partial from
complete obstruction
Case #6

48 yo obese F with one day hx of upper

abd pain after eating, does not radiate, is
intermittent cramping pain, +N/V, no
diarrhea, subjective fevers. No prior
similar symptoms.
Med hx: denies
Surg hx: denies
No meds or allergies
Social hx: no alcohol, tobacco or drug use
Case #6 Exam
T: 100.4, HR: 96, BP: 135/76, R: 18, O2 sat:
100% room air
General: moderately obese, no acute distress
CV: normal
Lungs: clear
Abd: moderately TTP RUQ, +Murphys sign,
non-distended, normal bowel sounds

What is your differential and what next?

Cholecystitis
Clinical Features Physical Findings
RUQ or epigastric pain Epigastric or RUQ pain
Radiation to the back or Murphys sign
shoulders Patient appears ill
Dull and achy sharp Peritoneal signs
and localized suggest perforation
Pain lasting longer than
6 hours
N/V/anorexia
Fever, chills
Cholecystitis
Diagnosis
CBC, LFTs, Lipase
Elevated alkaline
phosphatase
Elevated lipase suggests
gallstone pancreatitis
RUQ US
Thicken gallbladder wall
Pericholecystic fluid
Gallstones or sludge
Sonographic murphy sign
HIDA scan
more sensitive & specific
than US
H&P and laboratory findings
have a poor predictive value
if you suspect it, get the US
Treatment
Surgical consult
IV fluids
Correct electrolyte
abnormalities
Analgesia
Antibiotics
Ceftriaxone 1 gram IV
If septic, broaden coverage
to zosyn, unasyn,
imipenem or add anaerobic
coverage to ceftriaxone
NGT if intractable vomiting
Case #7
34 yo healthy M with 4 hour hx of sudden onset
left flank pain, +nausea/vomiting; no prior hx of
similar symptoms; no fevers/chills. +difficulty
urinating, no hematuria. Feels like has to urinate
but cannot.
PMHx: neg
Surg Hx: neg
Meds: none, Allergies: NKDA
Social hx: occasional alcohol, denies tobacco or
drug use
Family hx: non-contributory
Case #7 Exam
T: 98.9, HR: 110, BP: 150/90, R: 20, O2 sat: 99% room
air
General: writhing around on stretcher in pain,
+diaphoretic
CV: tachycardic, heart sounds normal
Lungs: clear
Abd: soft; non-tender
Back: mild left CVA tenderness
Genital exam: normal
Neuro exam: normal

What is your differential diagnosis and what next?

Renal Colic
Clinical Features Physical Findings
Acute onset of severe, non tender or mild
dull, achy visceral pain tenderness to palpation
Flank pain Anxious, pacing,
Radiates to abdomen or writhing in bed unable
groin including testicles to sit still
N/V and sometimes
diaphoresis
Fever is unusual
Waxing and waning
symptoms
Renal Colic
Diagnosis Treatment
Urinalysis IV fluid boluses
RBCs Analgesia
WBCs suggest infection or Narcotics
other etiology for pain (ie NSAIDS
appendicitis) If no renal insufficiency
CBC Strain all urine
If infection suspected Follow up with urology in 1-2
BUN/Creatinine weeks
In older patients
If patient has single kidney
If severe obstruction is
suspected
If stone > 5mm, consider
admission and urology consult
CT scan
If toxic appearing or infection
In older patients or patients found
with comorbidities (DM,
SCD) IV antibiotics
Not necessary in young Urologic consult
patients or patients with h/o
stones that pass
spontaneously
Just a few more to go.hang in
there
Ovarian torsion
Testicular torsion
GI bleeding
Abd pain in the Elderly
Ovarian Torsion
Acute onset severe pelvic pain Obtain ultrasound
May wax and wane
Possible hx of ovarian cysts
Labs
Menstrual cycle: midcycle also CBC, beta-hCG,
possibly in pregnancy electrolytes, T&S
Can have variable exam: IV fluids
acute, rigid abdomen,
peritonitis NPO
Fever
Tachycardia
Pain medications
Decreased bowel sounds GYN consult
May look just like Appendicitis
Testicular Torsion
Sudden onset of severe Detorsion
testicular pain
Emergent urology consult
If torsion is repaired within 6
Ultrasound with doppler
hours of the initial insult,
salvage rates of 80-100% are
typical. These rates decline to
nearly 0% at 24 hours.

Approximately 5-10% of torsed

testes spontaneously detorse,
but the risk of retorsion at a
later date remains high.
Most occur in males less than
20yrs old but 10% of affected
patients are older than 30
years.
Abdominal Pain in the Elderly
Mortality rate for Most common causes:
abdominal pain in the
elderly is 11-14%
Perception of pain is
altered
Altered reporting of pain:
stoicism, fear,
communication problems
Cholecystitis
Appendicitis
Bowel obstruction
Diverticulitis
Perforated peptic ulcer
Dont miss these:
AAA, ruptured AAA
Mesenteric ischemia
Myocardial ischemia
Aortic dissection
Abdominal Pain in the Elderly
Appendicitis do not exclude it because of prolonged
symptoms. Only 20% will have fever, N/V, RLQ pain and
WBC
Acute cholecystitis most common surgical emergency in
the elderly.
Perforated peptic ulcer only 50% report a sudden onset of
pain. In one series, missed diagnosis of PPU was leading
cause of death.
Mesenteric ischemia we make the diagnosis only 25% of
the time. Early diagnosis improves chances of survival.
Overall survival is 30%.
Increased frequency of abdominal aortic aneurysms
AAA may look like renal colic in elderly patients
Mesenteric Ischemia
Consider this diagnosis in all elderly patients with risk factors
Atrial fibrillation, recent MI
Atherosclerosis, CHF, digoxin therapy
Hypercoagulability, prior DVT, liver disease
Severe pain, often refractory to analgesics
Relatively normal abdominal exam
Embolic source: sudden onset (more gradual if thrombosis)
Nausea, vomiting and anorexia are common
50% will have diarrhea
Eventually stools will be guiaic-positive
Metabolic acidosis and extreme leukocytosis when advanced
disease is present (bowel necrosis)
Diagnosis requires mesenteric angiography or CT angiography
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Risk increases with age, women >70, men >55
Abdominal pain in 70-80% (not back pain!)
Back pain in 50%
Sudden onset of significant pain
Atypical locations of pain: hips, inguinal area, external genitalia
Syncope can occur
Hypotension may be present
Palpation of a tender, enlarged aorta on exam is an important finding
May present with hematuria
Suspect it in any older patient with back, flank or abdominal pain especially
with a renal colic presentation
Ultrasound can reveal the presence of a AAA but is not helpful for rupture.
CT abd/pelvis without contrast for stable patients. High suspicion in an
unstable patient requires surgical consult and emergent surgery.
GI Bleeding
Upper
Proximal to Ligament of Treitz
Peptic ulcer disease most common
Erosive gastritis
Esophagitis
Esophageal and gastric varices
Mallory-Weiss tear
Lower
Hemorrhoids most common
Diverticulosis
Angiodysplasia
Medical History
Common Presentation:
Hematemesis (source proximal to right colon)
Coffee-ground emesis
Melena
Hematochezia (distal colorectal source)
High level of suspicion with
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Angina
Syncope
Weakness
Confusion
Cardiac arrest
Labs and Imaging
Type and crossmatch: Most important!
Other studies: CBC, BUN, creatinine, electrolyte, coagulation studies,
LFTs
Initial Hct often will not reflect the actual amount of blood
loss
Abdominal and chest x-rays of limited value for source of
bleed
Nasogastric (NG) tube
Gastric lavage
Angiography
Bleeding scan
Endoscopy/colonoscopy
Management in the ED

ABCs of Resuscitation
AIRWAY:
Consider definitive airway to prevent aspiration
of blood
BREATHING
Supplemental Oxygen
Continuous pulse oximetry
Management in ED
Circulation
Cardiac monitoring
Volume replacement
Crystalloids
2 large-bore intravenous lines (18g or larger)
Blood Products
General guidelines for transfusion
Active bleeding
Failure to improve perfusion and vital signs after the infusion of 2
L of crystalloid
Lower threshold in the elderly
NOT BASED ON INITIAL HEMATOCRIT ALONE
Coagulation factors replaced as needed
Urinary catheter with hypotension to monitor output
Management
Early GI consult for severe bleeds
Therapeutic Endoscopy: band ligation or
injection sclerotherapy
Also.electrocoagulation, heater probes, and lasers
Drug Therapy: somatostatin, octreotide,
vasopressin, PPIs
Balloon tamponade: adjunct or
temporizing measure
Surgery: if all else fails
Disposition
ADMIT
Certain patients with lower GI bleeding may be discharged for
Outpatient work-up
Patients are risk stratified by clinical and endoscopic
criteria
Independent predictors of adverse outcomes in upper GI
bleeding (Corley and colleagues):
Initial hematocrit < 30 %
Initial SBP < 100 mm Hg
Red blood in the NG lavage
History of cirrhosis or ascites on examination
History of vomiting red blood
Abdominal Pain Clinical Pearls
Significant abdominal tenderness should never be attributed to
gastroenteritis
Incidence of gastroenteritis in the elderly is very low
Always perform genital examinations when lower abdominal pain is present
in males and females, in young and old
In older patients with renal colic symptoms, exclude AAA
Severe pain should be taken as an indicator of serious disease
Pain awakening the patient from sleep should always be considered
signficant
Sudden, severe pain suggests serious disease
Pain almost always precedes vomiting in surgical causes; converse is true
for most gastroenteritis and NSAP
Acute cholecystitis is the most common surgical emergency in the elderly
A lack of free air on a chest xray does NOT rule out perforation
Signs and symptoms of PUD, gastritis, reflux and nonspecific dyspepsia
have significant overlap
If the pain of biliary colic lasts more than 6 hours, suspect early cholecystitis